NSW Drifting Guidelines –
Prepared by the NSW Drifting Panel for all NSW Drifting events.
1. DRIFTING
An activity designed to be undertaken by driving a car through a circuit or other CAMS licensed
area or layout with the object of producing as much yaw rate (angle) and speed as possible
from the vehicle whist demonstrating the driver’s ability to control the direction of the vehicle
in a fluid-type motion at medium to high speeds. Averaging from 70km/h or higher. The main
aim of drifting is to test and improve the drivers ability and tune (improve) the car. Drifting
events may or may not be timed, judged or scored.
2. DRIFT COMPETITION
The object of the competition is to drive the vehicle so as to reach and maintain the highest
possible speed and yaw angle without losing control of the vehicle in a forward direction and
to achieve that yaw angle according to the criteria set down for judging, be it angle, time, line,
proximity, or a mix of these and or other criteria as set out by the supplementary regulations
for the series or event.
a. DRIFT BATTLE
A competition where two cars battle against one another and are assessed by a
judging panel who score each battle according to the judging criteria which may include
speed, line, angle, proximity and or other. Each battle consists of two passes through
the judged area, with each car taking a turn to lead.
b. TEAM DRIFTING
A competition between teams of drivers, with three to four Competitors in each team.
Each team passes through the judged area individually (ie, one team at a time) and is
assessed by the judge or judges against a number of criteria which may include speed,
line, angle, emulation and proximity. Teams compete for the highest point score. There
are no elimination battles between teams. There is no competition between team
members. (Refer to Drifting Standing Regulation 2.6.)
3. DRIFT PRACTICE
The object of practice is to drive through the circuit and develop drifting skills. Similar to
freestyle extreme sports, these events are not timed, judged or scored in any way. They are
to provide drivers the freedom to enjoy the sport and develop their skill levels. Spectators are
still welcome to watch however spectators are not the primary focus of these events.
a. GROUPING
There are 3 levels of skill used to class each driver of an event. Beginner, Intermediate
& Advanced. Each driver classifies themselves when entering an event. The clerk of
Course has the right to reallocate drivers to different groups based on their skill level
displayed on track. Grouping is not mandatory but aids in skill development. It is
common to relax grouping after 50% of event completion and open up sessions to all
skill classes. (This further aids in skill development)
b. SESSIONS
A group will enter the circuit and run the circuit with no stopping or detours
through pit lane for a period of time no shorter than 10mins. If the session is
cut short for any reason the group let out in the session will either (based of
clerk of course discretion) proceed back along pit lane and await release from
marshals or return to the pits to await their next session slot.
4. DRIFT TRAINING
An activity designed to be undertaken by driving a car through a circuit or other CAMS
licensed area or layout with the object of producing as much yaw rate as possible from
the vehicle whilst demonstration the drivers ability to control the direction of the vehicle in
a fluid type motion at low speed lower than 70km/h average.
The aim for drift training is fun but also to provide people the opportunity to begin and
experience the concepts of drifting for themselves in a supportive event before actually
drifting at speed.
The training provided can vary from a single car to multiple cars on circuit with or without
an instructor to teach the fundamentals of a course or layout and principals behind drifting.
a. SESSIONS
A car or number of cars will enter the circuit or lay out and run for a period of time
pending layout and or training objectives.
5. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS OF AUTOMOBILES IN DRIFTING
a. Eligible Vehicles: Pending the event or series vehicles eligible for drifting events
are generally restricted to series production automobiles with at least two seats.
For non-competition events there are no restrictions on the vehicles. The nature of
the event generally renders front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive vehicles
unsuitable but are eligible. Imported vehicles, including left-hand drive, are
acceptable, vehicles do not need to be registered.
b. Fuel: Competitors must only use Commercial Fuel as defined by CAMS in
Schedule G (refer “General Requirements for Cars and Drivers”). Competitors are
reminded that certain “Commercial Fuels” as defined by CAMS are not legal for
road use, and their use may render the Competitor liable to penalties under civil
legislation.
c. General Safety Requirements: All automobiles in drift events must comply with
Schedule A of “General Requirements for Cars and Drivers”.
All automobiles in drift events must comply with articles 1, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,
15 & 17 of Schedule B of “General Requirements for Cars and Drivers”.
d. Drivers must wear apparel as would be required under Schedule D for Speed
Events (refer “General Requirements for Cars and Drivers”).
e. Roll over protection systems to meet or surpass Schedule J CAMS manual (refer
“General Requirements for Cars and Drivers”).
f. Roll over protection devices, constructed outside the parameters of those of the
CAMS ROPS regulations may be incorporated in closed cars; however the Chief
Scrutineer must individually acknowledge the fitment and design as being
appropriate for the activity.
g. For Drift training events no roll over protection is required un less the car is a
convertible or open top. All open cars (ie, cars without a supporting structure
between the top of the A-pillars and rear window) must be fitted with roll over
protection. The clerk of course may allow or disallow drivers from taking
passengers.
h. For drift practice events a minimum CAMS Compliant half cage is required for
drivers to take passengers. the clerk of course may allow or disallow drivers from
taking passengers.
i. For all State to National level drift events a minimum of a CAMS approved half
cage is required.
6. VENUE
Drifting shall be conducted on a sealed surface within the confines of either a Race Circuit
holding a current and valid Category A, B or C CAMS Track Licence or a venue specifically
licensed for the activity by CAMS.
7. EVENT LAYOUTS
a. DRIFT COMPETITION LAYOUT
Competition events are usually held on a circuit or layout using only a set of
linkable corners that can be seen by the judges and spectators ,Competitions
must have at least 3 corners however there is no set maximum number of
corners a full circuit or full layout could be used.
b. DRIFT PRACTICE LAYOUT
Practice events are not restricted to a limited set of corners like competitions;
the full circuit is open for practice with minimal (10%) to no “non drifting
corners”. Allowance made for a single no drift corner and or safe /slow area.
c. DRIFT TRAINING LAYOUT
Training events are usually held on skid pan or large open venues. Training lay
outs are not restricted to a limited set of corners like competitions. The layouts
usually marked out with witches hats, plastic barriers or tire bundles can be
designed and changed to test a certain skill or skill set.
NOTE: These guidelines should be read and used in conjunction with the Standing
Regulations for Drifting which can be found in the link
http://docs.cams.com.au/Manual/Speed/SP08-Drifting-StandingRegs-2015-1.pdf